Bitter Waters

Compared with Geneva, Bern, Switzerland's capital, was far less well known, even though Bern was Switzerland's largest city.

This was mainly because Geneva was an international city and the birthplace of the International Red Cross. The Red Cross Movement originated in battlefield relief, and the Swiss man Henry Dunant was the founder of the Red Cross.

Saint George and the Red Crescent were the world's largest humanitarian organizations. Their mission was to alleviate human suffering, protect human life and health, and respect human dignity, especially during armed conflicts and other emergencies.

Now, the four Muggles lying in the compartment and desperately in need of treatment were facing an emergency. Even though the passengers in the second-class compartments were disgruntled, they cooperated and moved to the observation car.

The journey from Neuchâtel to Bern took only about an hour. The conductor promised that they could get off and change trains upon arrival. They could take an ordinary train, or wait in Bern for two days and board the next special train.

There was no evidence that curses spread like infectious diseases, and those who had been cursed were Muggles rather than wizards.

During the Middle Ages, the Black Death swept through Europe and killed tens of millions of Muggles, while wizards were unharmed. Likewise, Muggles could not catch Dragon Pox, a magical disease. But for the sake of caution, isolation was still best. Besides, even if disease was not contagious, panic was. Pomona was well practiced in handling such situations. It was useless to join the others in being afraid or trying to explain things. She had to remain calm herself, then find calm people among the panicked crowd.

While the conductor and attendants were surrounded by the crowd "explaining" things, Pomona found her first assistant—Chef Philippe. His claim that he